Can I drive other people’s cars under my taxi insurance policy?

In most cases, this type of extension that allows you to drive other people’s cars is simply not supported by a general taxi insurance policy. To put it in more simple words, taxi insurance is different from private auto insurance in such circumstances because it does not cover the “driving other cars extension.”

Can I use another person’s vehicle while still covered by my car insurance?

For regular car insurance, you must examine insurance documentation to verify if your policy includes the “drive other automobiles” extension because not all policies offer it. On your Certificate of Motor Insurance, under Section 3, it will be indicated if it is included. What is the URL for my policy documents?

With the owner’s consent, the extension enables the policyholder to operate someone else’s vehicle. However, the coverage for this vehicle is simply third-party damage-only and is not full coverage. This implies that there is no coverage for theft or damage to the borrowed vehicle. Named drivers are not covered by the extension for “drive other cars.”

Taxi insurance over regular insurance 

To protect vehicles used for commercial hire, a specialized auto insurance policy known as “taxi insurance” is created. A standard auto insurance policy won’t be sufficient to protect you if you work as a cab driver. However, taxi insurance will safeguard not only your passengers but also you and your car. Whether you operate a black cab, a private hire car, or Uber, it is mandatory.

Do you need insurance for taxi cabs?

A legitimate taxi insurance policy is required by law if you work as a driver of cabs. You will require a certain taxi insurance coverage, as described below, depending on the kind of cab you operate and where you drive it.

PCO coverage

Black cabs and minicabs in the United Kingdom are licensed by the Public Carriage Office, a subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL). Taxis with PCO licenses must consequently carry PCO insurance.

Insurance for public-use taxis

Taxis that passengers can call on the street or hail at a taxi stand are covered by public hire taxi insurance. These cabs are equipped with a taxi sign. Specifically, only public-hire taxi insurance will protect you if you pick up clients ad hoc.

About Private hire taxi insurance (for hire and reward purposes)

For taxis that must be reserved in advance, such as the majority of minicabs and large multipurpose vehicles (MPV) taxis such as people carriers, private hire taxi insurance offers coverage.

The insurance, which is also known as private hire and reward insurance, does not cover pick-up clients who have not made reservations from locations like train stations or taxi ranks.

Do Uber drivers require coverage?

The best form of coverage for drivers who work for Uber and its rivals is private hire insurance. Although Uber prefers not to identify itself as a private hire business, insurers will view Uber drivers as operating a taxi service and will require them to carry a suitable taxi insurance policy.

According to Transport for London, as long as the booking originates from the region in which they are licensed, Uber drivers from anywhere in the UK can currently pick up and drop off in London.

TfL issued a warning, noting that it is urging the federal government to exercise more control over this. To make sure we have the required safeguards, the statement said, “We are currently discussing our concerns with the government.” We do not have the authority to prevent this type of cross-border operation.

Can I add paying passengers to my regular auto insurance policy?

You will require commercial private hire coverage in place of your regular car or van insurance if you are transporting a paying customer. Additionally, Uber drivers must make sure they have public liability insurance, whether it is provided by Uber, their auto insurance, or a separate policy (more on this below).

Who is eligible to purchase taxi insurance?

Many insurance companies for taxis won’t issue coverage unless you:

• possess a driving license that has been in force for at least a year.
• are over a specific age, typically 21, however, others only allow those who are at least 25.
• an active and engaged taxi driver’s license